The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) continues to be a cultural force decades after its initial launch in the late 1990s.
Originally igniting controversy due to concerns over gambling among young players and leading some schools to ban the cards, Pokémon TCG has since evolved into a thriving collectible market.
In recent years, demand for rare Pokémon cards has reached record levels, fuelled by adults who grew up with the franchise and now invest enthusiastically in the hobby.
This surge has unfortunately drawn large numbers of scalpers seeking quick profits, creating significant challenges for both retailers and younger fans hoping to participate in the Pokémon experience. In the UK, securing Pokémon TCG cards has become a daunting task for many due to aggressive resellers who buy up stock for resale at inflated prices.
The Guardian recently explored this issue, speaking with retailers and collectors about the strain on the market.
Ben Thyer, owner of the independent game store BathTCG, offered insight into the pressures facing both shops and customers. Recounting growing frustrations, Thyer stated that store employees have faced serious threats from disgruntled customers.
"We’ve encountered instances where staff have received threats, and there have even been reports of assaults and thefts at other stores," Thyer explained.
The escalation is not just verbal; some buyers have been seen reselling products on platforms like Facebook—or even immediately outside the shops after purchase.
Amidst this atmosphere, some retailers have become hesitant to fully restock their shelves, out of concern that it will attract problematic behavior.
"Previously, we sold entire boxes of booster packs, but we've since stopped and now restrict the number of packs each customer can buy," Thyer noted, describing a shift in sales approach to deter scalpers. Demand for Pokémon cards has consistently outpaced supply for several years, driving up prices and making genuine collecting more difficult.
However, Thyer sees potential signs that the market could be cooling off, at least temporarily.
"We're noticing a decline in prices for individual cards and sealed products, and the intensity from buyers isn’t quite what it once was.
Some resellers are reconsidering their investments, especially as the holiday season approaches and profits aren’t meeting expectations," he shared. Despite these fluctuations, Thyer anticipates that excitement will build again in the near future, especially with the 30th anniversary of Pokémon set for early 2026.
Until then, the Pokémon Trading Card Game community and retail sector face an ongoing challenge: protecting access for genuine fans while contending with the secondary market’s relentless appetite.
As Nintendo and its partners prepare for milestone celebrations, all eyes will be on how the market responds and whether balance can be restored for collectors old and new.
Originally igniting controversy due to concerns over gambling among young players and leading some schools to ban the cards, Pokémon TCG has since evolved into a thriving collectible market.
In recent years, demand for rare Pokémon cards has reached record levels, fuelled by adults who grew up with the franchise and now invest enthusiastically in the hobby.
This surge has unfortunately drawn large numbers of scalpers seeking quick profits, creating significant challenges for both retailers and younger fans hoping to participate in the Pokémon experience. In the UK, securing Pokémon TCG cards has become a daunting task for many due to aggressive resellers who buy up stock for resale at inflated prices.
The Guardian recently explored this issue, speaking with retailers and collectors about the strain on the market.
Ben Thyer, owner of the independent game store BathTCG, offered insight into the pressures facing both shops and customers. Recounting growing frustrations, Thyer stated that store employees have faced serious threats from disgruntled customers.
"We’ve encountered instances where staff have received threats, and there have even been reports of assaults and thefts at other stores," Thyer explained.
The escalation is not just verbal; some buyers have been seen reselling products on platforms like Facebook—or even immediately outside the shops after purchase.
Amidst this atmosphere, some retailers have become hesitant to fully restock their shelves, out of concern that it will attract problematic behavior.
"Previously, we sold entire boxes of booster packs, but we've since stopped and now restrict the number of packs each customer can buy," Thyer noted, describing a shift in sales approach to deter scalpers. Demand for Pokémon cards has consistently outpaced supply for several years, driving up prices and making genuine collecting more difficult.
However, Thyer sees potential signs that the market could be cooling off, at least temporarily.
"We're noticing a decline in prices for individual cards and sealed products, and the intensity from buyers isn’t quite what it once was.
Some resellers are reconsidering their investments, especially as the holiday season approaches and profits aren’t meeting expectations," he shared. Despite these fluctuations, Thyer anticipates that excitement will build again in the near future, especially with the 30th anniversary of Pokémon set for early 2026.
Until then, the Pokémon Trading Card Game community and retail sector face an ongoing challenge: protecting access for genuine fans while contending with the secondary market’s relentless appetite.
As Nintendo and its partners prepare for milestone celebrations, all eyes will be on how the market responds and whether balance can be restored for collectors old and new.
